Help with taking Great Family Photos from a Dubai Family Photographer
Capturing a family in photos is one of the most treasured things that anyone could do. It freezes time , and allows us to revisit these moments over and over again. It's not always simple to capture great family pictures particularly when you don't have a lot of experience behind the camera.
That's why we turned to Dubai photographer for families Alona Koenig to get her top tips on taking great family photos. Alona has been photographing families for many years and has experienced in making sure that everyone is relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Here are the top tips of Alona to take great family pictures:
Choose the right time of day
The best time to capture family photos is in the morning or later in the afternoon as the lighting is warm and soft. Be careful not to take photos in midday, when the sun rises high in the sky and casts harsh shadows onto faces. If you can, plan to take pictures outside in an open area that is lit by natural lighting.
Here are some good timings of the day to plan your shoot (and why):
Golden hour
This is the time, prior to sunset, in which the light is warm and golden. It's the perfect time to start taking photos that have an "glow" to the photos.
Blue hour
It is the time just after sunset in which the sky is still light but it has changed to a dark blue shade. Blue hour is a great moment to take pictures that are full of mood.
Twilight
This is the time between sunset and nightfall in which there's not much light. The time of sunset is ideal to capture creative images using long exposures or using flashes that are not on the camera.
Find the appropriate address
The location you choose for the family photo shoot will affect the overall atmosphere of the pictures. If you're hoping to capture the feeling of a relaxed weekend at home, choose an area that is comfortable with your entire family. If you're trying to capture the experience of a trip or adventure, choose a location that's new and exciting. And if you want to capture a specific mood or feeling, choose a location that evokes that emotion.
Some great locations for family photos include:
The beach
A garden or park
An urban setting
A nature reserve
Your own backyard
Get everyone involved
One of the best ways to make sure everyone has a great time at photography is to involve everyone involved in the process. Invite your family members to assist with things such as choosing the location, picking out outfits, and posing for photographs. It will allow them to be more involved in the shoot, and check here it will make the experience more fun for everyone.
Here are some ways you can involve everyone:
Everyone should pick their own clothes. This will help them feel more at ease and fashionable when they are in front of the camera.
If you're shooting outdoors ask your family members for help with things like finding the perfect spot for the camera, or deciding on the most suitable route to take.
Make sure everyone strikes a pose. Posing poses can be a fantastic method to encourage everyone to relax and have some fun when taking photos.
Break the ice
If your family feels uncomfortable or shy in front of the camera You can break the ice by making humorous jokes or funny pictures. This will allow them to relax and feel more comfortable before the camera.
You can also try playing certain games or participating in activities that will bring everyone together and have fun with each other. This can help you capture natural, candid moments that you will cherish for the years to come.
A few great games to break the ice and activities include:
Simon Says
I Spy
Charades
Truth or Dare
Categories
Don't be afraid to be imaginative
Don't be afraid to experiment with the settings of your camera or test new poses. This is a great way to give personality to your pictures and make them more unique.
Some things you can experiment with include:
Camera settings: experiment with the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to create different effects.
Lens options: You can use either a wide-angle or telephoto lens to change the perspective of your photographs.
Posing: Try different ways to arrange your more info family members or even have them interact in a variety of ways.
Props: add some interest to your photos with props like balloons, umbrellas or even signs.
Be prepared
The most important thing to have success in a photograph shoot is preparation. Be sure to have everything you need before the day of the shoot, so you can focus on taking great photos.
Some things you'll need to bring with you include:
The camera lens and your lenses
Extra batteries and memory cards
A tripod (if you're using one)
Props (if you're using any)
Outfits (if you're doing a wardrobe change)
A first-aid kit (just in the event)
drinks and snacks (for both you and your entire family)
Sunscreen (if you're shooting outdoors)
Insect repellent (if you're shooting outdoors)
Be patient and take your time
One of the most important things to be aware of when taking family photographs is to slow down. It's not an event, therefore there's no need to hurry.
Take your time setting up every shot, and snap the number of photos you can to ensure that you get the perfect shot. And if someone isn't cooperating or if something isn't working do not worry, there's always next time.
Most importantly, be happy and enjoy the process. In the end, these pictures are meant to record a moment which you as a loved ones will treasure for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Photographing family photos can be a lot of enjoyable however, they can also be a bit challenging. If you follow these guidelines, you'll be able to maximize your photo shoot and create stunning memories that last for a lifetime.
Alona Koenig, an experienced Dubai photography studio for family photographers who is a specialist in capturing candid moments and interactions that are natural. Alona has been photographing families for more than 10 years and loves documenting the unique bond between children and parents. Visit her website to view her portfolio, or call her to arrange a photo session.